Ratatouille, why DD 5.1 sounds better PCM 5.1?

[Gizmo99]

Receiver: Yamaha Rx-v1800
Player : PS3
Connection: PS3 to Receiver over HDMI (HDMI 1.3)

My PS3 is set to BitStream in BluRay Audio Setting Menu. Watching the movie in DD 5.1 (turned it on through the BD disc) was much better (louder, pronounced and more clear) than when I turned on PCM from the BluRay Disc. Why is that? I thought PCM sounded much more superior than DD?

However, I tried changing the PS3 setting to LPCM (instead of bitstream) and turn on PCM from the BluRay Disc. The sound was pretty much but not as good as DD.

Outcome:

Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to PCM = Pretty good
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay Disc set to PCM = weak
Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to DD = weak
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay set to DD = The best

Question:

When both PS3 and Disc are matched (DD to DD , PCM to PCM). It sounded okay. But what does it mean when its mixed? Ie: when PS3=Bitstream and BD=PCM ? or when PS3=PCM and BD=DD ?


Also, what setting on the PS3 should I leave it to
Thanks

[mikenike]

Perhaps the DD track is 6.1 or 7.1? All I know is when I watched it on the Samsung 1400 (bitstreaming) using the Yamaha RX-V1600 with the DD track, a sixth channel (minus LFE) was displayed on the receiver. I didn't really pay any attention to the sound quality, but I did find it strange that the PCM track did not have an advantage of having more discrete channels than did the DD track. Maybe the DD is an EX track?

I might have to watch Ratatouille tomorrow.

[Gizmo99]

Yeah try it out.

My question is what setting I should set my PS3 to? PCM or BitStream? Researching shows I should always set it on BitStream ? Is this true? What do you guys have it on?

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by Gizmo99

Yeah try it out.

My question is what setting I should set my PS3 to? PCM or BitStream? Researching shows I should always set it on BitStream ? Is this true? What do you guys have it on?

Set it to PCM. It'll save you some headaches on other titles that have a DTS-HD MA or TrueHD track (if you have it set to Bitstream on those, it'll downmix to DD 5.1 or DTS 5.1).

There is absolutely no reason to pick Bitstream over PCM over HDMI for the PS3.

EDIT: To the OP, there's got to be something else causing your audio issues. I would suspect something like faulty HDMI cables. If you have a spare HDMI cable, try swapping it and see if you get better results. There is absolutely no logic behind DD 5.1 sounding better than PCM 5.1 over HDMI.

[lildon24]

I got that movie on blu. Sound like something wrong with cable or receiver. My PS3 is set to linear pcm and PCM 5.1 much louder and clearer than dolby 5.1. I got a TX-7O5 receiver and have no problem wit it

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Gizmo99

Receiver: Yamaha Rx-v1800
Player : PS3
Connection: PS3 to Receiver over HDMI (HDMI 1.3)

Check the display on your receiver of your connection. Just because it's connected via HDMI doesn't mean it's automatically using the best audio signal it's being fed with. Some early HDMI receivers only use the stereo signal from a 5.1 PCM signal; you have to MANUALLY change it to Multichannel Input via HDMI (read your manual) before it fully processes the 5.1 PCM.


fuad

[PS3_Kiwi]

Ratatouille has got a Dolby Digital EX track on DVD so should also have one on Blu-ray.

Blu-ray not release in Region B countries yet.

[NutsAboutPS3]

Originally Posted by Gizmo99

Outcome:

Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to PCM = Pretty good
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay Disc set to PCM = weak
Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to DD = weak
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay set to DD = The best

Do you have "night mode" or equivalent turned on in the receiver?

I have night mode turned on all the time at maximum level in my receiver, but it only works with a dolby digital bitstream. It makes people's voices much clearer so you can hear what people are saying while having the overall volume lower.

For this reason I prefer listening to DD rather than DTS, even though I can hear that DTS is a better quality sound, I just can't tell what people are saying without disturbing the neighbours, whereas with DD I can have it much quieter and still hear what people are saying.

I'm just wondering if this is what is causing the difference for you, as the configuration you describe as best is the only one that night mode would work with.

[Gizmo99]

I dont have Night Mode on. Receiver lights up at LPCM
I did check with a different cable, same results.

Question: When I set PS3 to be PCM but select DD on BluRay. What does that mean? And Vice Versa? When PS3 set to BitStream and Select PCM from BluRay.

Originally Posted by NutsAboutPS3

Do you have "night mode" or equivalent turned on in the receiver?

I have night mode turned on all the time at maximum level in my receiver, but it only works with a dolby digital bitstream. It makes people's voices much clearer so you can hear what people are saying while having the overall volume lower.

For this reason I prefer listening to DD rather than DTS, even though I can hear that DTS is a better quality sound, I just can't tell what people are saying without disturbing the neighbours, whereas with DD I can have it much quieter and still hear what people are saying.

I'm just wondering if this is what is causing the difference for you, as the configuration you describe as best is the only one that night mode would work with.

[WickyWoo]

If it's weak, it certainly sounds like you're only getting stereo ot the system

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Gizmo99

Yeah try it out.

My question is what setting I should set my PS3 to? PCM or BitStream? Researching shows I should always set it on BitStream ? Is this true? What do you guys have it on?

PCM. ckeck your A/V

[bassbone57]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

If it's weak, it certainly sounds like you're only getting stereo ot the system

That's what I thought too.

-K

[Gizmo99]

Originally Posted by bassbone57

That's what I thought too.

-K

New to this audio / video stuff. Could you explain to me how I am only getting Stero to my receiver? How is that prevented / fixed? I just bought my receiver last month

[jd13]

Originally Posted by Icemage

There is absolutely no reason to pick Bitstream over PCM over HDMI for the PS3.

There is, actually. If you use, at any time, your PS3 to upconvert, then it needs to be set at bitstream, or you only get 2.0 PCM. I leave mine at bitstream at all times. It covers the DTSHD issue and upconverting, as well as choosing a PCM track on a BD. It WILL output PCM if the PCM track is chosen and your PS3 is set to Bitstream. The only time this does not work, is with Dolby TrueHD, but with the added feature of being able to change during the flick, it is not a big deal anymore.
__________________________________________________ ________________
One reason people may think that DD Bitstream sounds better is due to the processing that is done by their receiver that they are using. If you have a 6.1 or 7.1 system, and send DD 5.1, it matrixes it to 6.1 or 7.1, using all speakers, and making it sound a little "fuller."

[Gizmo99]

What happens if I set my PS3 to PCM and I have bitstream on my BluRay

Originally Posted by jd13

There is, actually. If you use, at any time, your PS3 to upconvert, then it needs to be set at bitstream, or you only get 2.0 PCM. I leave mine at bitstream at all times. It covers the DTSHD issue and upconverting, as well as choosing a PCM track on a BD. It WILL output PCM if the PCM track is chosen and your PS3 is set to Bitstream. The only time this does not work, is with Dolby TrueHD, but with the added feature of being able to change during the flick, it is not a big deal anymore.
__________________________________________________ ________________
One reason people may think that DD Bitstream sounds better is due to the processing that is done by their receiver that they are using. If you have a 6.1 or 7.1 system, and send DD 5.1, it matrixes it to 6.1 or 7.1, using all speakers, and making it sound a little "fuller."

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by Gizmo99

Receiver: Yamaha Rx-v1800
Player : PS3
Connection: PS3 to Receiver over HDMI (HDMI 1.3)

My PS3 is set to BitStream in BluRay Audio Setting Menu. Watching the movie in DD 5.1 (turned it on through the BD disc) was much better (louder, pronounced and more clear) than when I turned on PCM from the BluRay Disc. Why is that? I thought PCM sounded much more superior than DD?

However, I tried changing the PS3 setting to LPCM (instead of bitstream) and turn on PCM from the BluRay Disc. The sound was pretty much but not as good as DD.

Outcome:

Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to PCM = Pretty good
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay Disc set to PCM = weak
Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to DD = weak
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay set to DD = The best

Question:

When both PS3 and Disc are matched (DD to DD , PCM to PCM). It sounded okay. But what does it mean when its mixed? Ie: when PS3=Bitstream and BD=PCM ? or when PS3=PCM and BD=DD ?


Also, what setting on the PS3 should I leave it to
Thanks

Lossless audio tracks will generally sound fuller, with much smoother treble and mid bass than Dolby Digital bitstream tracks. Conversely, Dolby Digital will sound a bit harsher, which might at first sound more dynamic or louder.

The ideal setting for your setup would be to set the PS3 audio settings to PCM, and choose either 5.1 PCM tracks or Dolby TrueHD tracks from the Blu-ray menu when available. Just turn your receiver up a bit and hopefully you'll realize the difference from DD 5.1 after your ears become accustomed to the change.

Here's the list you had above:

Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to PCM = Ideal settings, lossless audio will match film master soundtrack
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay Disc set to PCM = PS3 decodes as 2 ch. PCM, then Yamaha decodes with Dolby Pro Logic IIX, the non-discrete surround format. It sucks.
Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to DD = PS3 decodes lossy DD track to 2 channel PCM. Yamaha decodes with Dolby Pro Logic IIX. See above.
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay set to DD = Matches lossy compressed audio from DVD. Harsher midrange and treble with less dynamic range than linear PCM or Dolby TrueHD.

In a nutshell, keep your PS3 set to PCM, and always choose DolbyTrue HD or PCM 5.1 from your Blu-ray audio menu. Don't choose DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, because your PS3 cannot yet decode them.

[Gizmo99]

Thanks for the succient reply!!!!

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Lossless audio tracks will generally sound fuller, with much smoother treble and mid bass than Dolby Digital bitstream tracks. Conversely, Dolby Digital will sound a bit harsher, which might at first sound more dynamic or louder.

The ideal setting for your setup would be to set the PS3 audio settings to PCM, and choose either 5.1 PCM tracks or Dolby TrueHD tracks from the Blu-ray menu when available. Just turn your receiver up a bit and hopefully you'll realize the difference from DD 5.1 after your ears become accustomed to the change.

Here's the list you had above:

Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to PCM = Ideal settings, lossless audio will match film master soundtrack
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay Disc set to PCM = PS3 decodes as 2 ch. PCM, then Yamaha decodes with Dolby Pro Logic IIX, the non-discrete surround format. It sucks.
Ps3 set to PCM + BluRay Disc set to DD = PS3 decodes lossy DD track to 2 channel PCM. Yamaha decodes with Dolby Pro Logic IIX. See above.
Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay set to DD = Matches lossy compressed audio from DVD. Harsher midrange and treble with less dynamic range than linear PCM or Dolby TrueHD.

In a nutshell, keep your PS3 set to PCM, and always choose DolbyTrue HD or PCM 5.1 from your Blu-ray audio menu. Don't choose DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, because your PS3 cannot yet decode them.

[kingofgrills]

No problem. Just try linear PCM or Dolby TrueHD tracks for a while to give it a shot, like for a week or so. I think the enhanced detail and smooth delivery will win you over.

[Gizmo99]

Will do.

Another quick queston: When PS3 and BluRay are umatched. Why does it decode to only 2 Channel PCM?
Also, is there an easy way to toggle between the audio options in Ps3 to go PCM / BtStream?

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

No problem. Just try linear PCM or Dolby TrueHD tracks for a while to give it a shot, like for a week or so. I think the enhanced detail and smooth delivery will win you over.

[JimSD]

Originally Posted by jd13

There is, actually. If you use, at any time, your PS3 to upconvert, then it needs to be set at bitstream, or you only get 2.0 PCM. I leave mine at bitstream at all times. It covers the DTSHD issue and upconverting, as well as choosing a PCM track on a BD. It WILL output PCM if the PCM track is chosen and your PS3 is set to Bitstream. The only time this does not work, is with Dolby TrueHD, but with the added feature of being able to change during the flick, it is not a big deal anymore.

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Ps3 set to BitStream + BluRay Disc set to PCM = PS3 decodes as 2 ch. PCM, then Yamaha decodes with Dolby Pro Logic IIX, the non-discrete surround format. It sucks.

These 2 pieces of advice seem to contradict. I have mine set like jd13 for exactly the same reasons and I'm pretty sure I'm getting multi-channel PCM to my Onkyo 705 receiver when I choose an LPCM track on a BD. Did I misinterpret kingofgrills post?